Pakistan, Belarus sign multiple MoUs for economic co-operation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Belarus on Tuesday agreed on a road map for economic cooperation to increase their bilateral trade up to US one billion dollars, with a focus on industrial cooperation, agriculture and infrastructure development.

The document to this effect was signed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Belarus Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov in Islamabad.

The two sides also signed seventeen other agreements, MOUs and protocols on cooperation in diverse fields. These relate to collaboration and cooperation in trade, economy, industry, agriculture, agricultural research, investment, science and technology, textile, healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

Earlier on Monday night, PM Belarus Andrey Kobyakov arrived in Islamabad and was given warm welcome on his arrival at the PM House.

A contingent of tri-services guard presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary, who also reviewed the parade. The national anthems of both the countries were played.

Prime Minister Sharif introduced Prime Minister Kobyakov and his delegation with the members of his cabinet. Later, the two Prime Ministers proceeded for one-on-one talks.

After the meeting, PM Nawaz said he had a very productive round of talks with the Belarusian PM and the two dignitaries reviewed progress and agreed on concrete steps to further enhance their bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said during the talks the two sides also discussed regional and global issues, besides taking decisions to further fortify their ties that encompass many new areas.

He said it was the third high level exchange between the two countries in the past six months and was reflective of the importance the two sides give to their robust relationship.

The premier apprised Mr Andrey Kobyakov about the upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee to Belarus.

PM Nawaz recalled his visit to Minsk in August this year terming it as productive, and said the high-level visits between the two countries had extensively contributed to the strengthening of bilateral relations.

He expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the first Pakistan-Belarus meeting of the Joint Economic Commission on August 7th and added that the second meeting of the Pakistan-Business Joint Business and Investment Forum and the inaugural session of Pakistan-Belarus Business Council were most encouraging.